The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I am a lineman for the county
And I drive the main road
Searchin' in the sun for another overload
I hear you singin' in the wire
I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
I know I need a small vacation
But it don't look like rain
And if it snows, that stretch down south won't ever stand the strain
And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
And I drive the main road
Searchin' in the sun for another overload
I hear you singin' in the wire
I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
I know I need a small vacation
But it don't look like rain
And if it snows, that stretch down south won't ever stand the strain
And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
Lyrics submitted by goodreverend, edited by Mellow_Harsher
Wichita Lineman Lyrics as written by Jimmy Webb
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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When i was in my teens we had a sampler lp with this song on it which was played quite often. Just today, an unusual lazy day at home, i heard the song again and i was impressed by the beauty of the melody, arrangement and lyrics; and the fact that it took me 40 years to UNDERSTAND the song.
The guy (here i agree with delial) is a rational person who doesn't usually show his feelings off, and one who chose a lonely occupation. Yet (as if there's a contradiction here) he longs for his beloved. Her singing in the wire (a technical artifact he can't help noticing) accentuates the distance and is reflected in the arrangement.
I think btw that the first 'want' has a strikingly different meaning than the second. The first (need you more than WANT you) is an immediate wanting, sexual if you want; the second is more a please-stay-with-me-for-the-rest-of-my-life wanting, closer to the emotional NEEDing.